Which statement accurately describes transitional milk?

• A. It lasts until about two weeks postpartum
• B. It is produced during the first 24 hours
• C. It contains no antibodies
• D. It is identical to mature milk

Answer: (A)

Transitional milk is the stage between colostrum and mature milk. It starts after colostrum and generally lasts about two weeks postpartum, bridging the gap as milk supply increases and its composition shifts toward mature milk. Compared with colostrum, transitional milk has more fat, lactose, and overall calories to meet the growing infant’s needs, while still providing immune protection, though the antibody concentration is not as high as in colostrum. It is not produced in the first 24 hours—that early milk is colostrum—and it is not identical to mature milk, which has a steadier composition once the transition is complete. So, describing transitional milk as lasting until about two weeks postpartum is accurate.